Police Confirm Progress in Investigation into Andrew's Alleged Epstein Links
Thames Valley Police detectives have confirmed they are making significant progress in their assessment of serious allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential government reports with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The force is leading the inquiry into potential misconduct in public office, specifically examining documents contained within the United States Department of Justice's extensive Epstein files.
Specialist Prosecutors Consulted in Complex Case
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright revealed that Thames Valley Police have engaged in detailed discussions with specialist crown prosecutors from the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the allegations. "While we cannot provide specific timescales for when a decision will be made about opening a full criminal investigation, we can assure the public that Thames Valley Police is advancing this matter as quickly and thoroughly as possible," stated the force in an official communication.
Mr Wright emphasized the particular complexities involved in allegations of misconduct in public office, noting that such cases require careful and meticulous evaluation during the assessment phase. This initial stage determines whether a criminal offence is suspected and whether a complete investigation becomes necessary.
Emails Reveal Alleged Sharing of Confidential Information
The investigation centers on emails released by the US Department of Justice earlier this month that appear to show the former duke sharing confidential reports from his official visits as the UK's trade envoy. These documents reportedly include sensitive information about official trips to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore.
One particularly concerning email, dated November 2010, was allegedly forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser Amir Patel. Another communication from Christmas Eve 2010 reportedly sent Epstein a confidential brief regarding investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.
Multiple Police Forces and Prosecutors Involved
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson confirmed to journalists that the CPS maintains close contact with both the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police regarding these matters, though formal advice has not yet been formally requested. "In complex and sensitive cases, the CPS and the police do work together collaboratively," Mr Parkinson explained. "I'm confident that in respect of the investigation that has been announced, we will continue to do so effectively."
Mr Parkinson expressed confidence in the CPS's ability to advise police on the offence of misconduct in public office, acknowledging that this common law crime is not particularly well-defined. "The issue when you're advising on criminal cases is very rarely about what the law actually states, but rather about the application of that law within specific contexts," he clarified.
Broader Context of Epstein-Related Investigations
Separately, the Metropolitan Police has launched its own investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office. This inquiry is linked to claims that Lord Mandelson sent market-sensitive information to Epstein while serving as business secretary during the financial crisis.
The development represents the latest escalation in the relentless scandal surrounding the former duke and his connections to the convicted paedophile financier. On Monday, Buckingham Palace stated it would "stand ready to support" the police if approached regarding the allegations. A palace spokesman added that King Charles III had expressed his "profound concern" about the allegations concerning his brother's conduct.
Andrew's Diminished Royal Status and Ongoing Controversies
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor effectively ceased to be a working royal after being stripped by the monarch of his right to be a prince and his dukedom late last year due to his association with Epstein. He now lives as a commoner, though he remains eighth in line to the throne, having gradually moved down the line of succession after being born second in line.
Much of the royal family's work in recent weeks has been overshadowed by the Epstein scandal, despite the King's attempts to draw a line under the matter when he banished Andrew and removed his titles. The fresh trove of documents released by the US Department of Justice has sparked numerous allegations against Andrew, including claims that a second woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with the former prince.
Previous Investigations and Unresolved Allegations
Andrew has never been formally questioned by police regarding claims made by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was forced to have sex with him three times, including when she was just seventeen years old. Ms Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, claimed the encounters occurred in London after she was trafficked by Epstein and at an orgy on Epstein's private Caribbean island. The former duke has vehemently denied all these allegations.
The Metropolitan Police previously stated it became aware in 2015 of allegations concerning non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation, including incidents in central London in 2001. However, the force concluded in 2016 that because the investigation would largely focus on activities and relationships outside the UK, the Met was not the appropriate authority to conduct inquiries, and the matter would not proceed to a full criminal investigation. This decision was reviewed in August 2019 but remained unchanged that November.
In December, the Metropolitan Police decided against launching a criminal investigation into reports that Andrew asked his taxpayer-funded bodyguard to gather damaging information about Ms Giuffre. Her family has expressed being "deeply disappointed" by the force's decision to drop this investigation "without providing any explanation."
Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, confirmed he had reported the latest allegations to the police, adding further pressure on authorities to thoroughly investigate all aspects of Andrew's relationship with Epstein and the potential misuse of his official position.
